Paris
The Paris Paralympic Games were officially launched with a spectacular opening ceremony on the Avenue des Champs-Élysées and Place de la Concorde, marking a new era in Paralympic sports.
In a proud moment for India, para-athletes Sumit Antil and Bhagyashri Jadhav led the Indian delegation, the largest ever from the nation with 84 athletes competing in 12 sports. Sumit Antil, gold medalist in javelin at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, carried the flag, symbolizing India’s hopes for another strong performance. He was joined by Bhagyashri Jadhav, silver medalist in Shot Put at the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, highlighting India’s growing prowess across various sports.
This year’s Indian team represents the largest contingent India has ever sent to the Paralympics, reflecting the country’s expanding commitment to para-sports. The team’s unity and enthusiasm were evident as they marched proudly, embodying the aspirations of over a billion people.
The opening ceremony celebrated diversity, resilience, and competition, featuring stunning performances that showcased French culture and the Paralympic values of determination and equality. Athletes from around the world received a warm welcome, setting the stage for an unforgettable event.
India’s participation in Paris 2024 includes three new sports: para-cycling, para-rowing, and blind judo, bringing its total to 12 sports. This expansion follows India’s most successful Paralympics in Tokyo 2020, where the country won 19 medals: five gold, eight silver, and six bronze.
